Once upon a time parents used to be encouraged to carry their child to the toilet during the night to help avoid a wet bed. While waking or lifting a child to go to the toilet might seem like a good way to reduce the number of wet beds, it does not help train the bladder nor does it teach children to learn to wake on their own. Parents typically do this just before they themselves go to bed, at this time of night the bladder will probably be only half full, or your daughter will still be half asleep. Children who have achieved nighttime continence are either able to wake-up independently in response to a full-bladder or have developed the bladder capacity to store urine until morning. Lifting or waking at night means children do not get the chance to get used to these signals nor does the bladder have the opportunity to stretch and develop. Other treatments such as enuresis alarms are typically more effective than waking although these are generally not recommended until children are at least 7 years of age. The success of the bedwetting alarm definitely increases among children who experience less frequent bedwetting like your daughter so this could be a good option. If you feel that you have not received adequate support or guidance from your doctor you could contact the Continence Association of Australia (1800 330 066) who may be able to recommend a medical professional in your area.

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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